The Riddle of Humanity

The Spiritual Background Of Human History

By Rudolf Steiner

GA 170

Fifteen lectures given in Dornach to members of the Anthroposophical
Society 29 July to 3 September, 1916. Published in German as:
Das Raetsel des Menschen. Die Geistigen Hintergruende der Menschlichen
Geschichte. Kosmische und menschliche Geschichte.

In these lectures, Steiner adds new insights to his earlier discussions
of topics such as the evolution and development of our physical body,
our senses, and our relationship to the cosmos. Based on his thorough
spiritual research, Steiner's view of the human being and the significance
of aesthetic creativity and enjoyment clearly reveals the bankruptcy of
conventional materialism. Here, as in his other works, Rudolf Steiner
shows us how to overcome materialism by choosing the path of spiritual
science. His students will welcome this first translation of one of
Steiner's most important volumes.